lughnasadh
LUGHNASADH
MAGICK DEER DEMETER
REFLECTIONS ASTROLOGY
TAROT
RABBITHOLES
project by Emeline ViLledary
dearest
August reminds me of the stillness of deep morning lakes, of roadside goldenrod, and of country fair donut stands.
It reminds me of bonfires, horse trailers, corn roasts and shooting stars. It reminds me of nightly swims in the river and getting my first period.
As I turn the corner away from Motherhood and head slowly towards Cronehood, I am experiencing time differently. I can feel it both stretch, and slip away. It is the beginning of harvest season, a slow beginning of an ending.
I can’t help but think that this land it’s not gardening nor farming, is a and an gamble of control.
You stud
You do so assuming your plans will unfold accordingly.
You do so knowing you cannot fathom the cruelty of the losses, Nor anticipate the successes, For there are too many variables.
Your heart quickens when you discover a secret bloom,
And it depresses when you find a loss. Yet you embark on each season with the brazen idealism of The Fool. All while knowing that you are at the mercy of the Wild. This year I am regretting not sowing zinnias.
I am grieving the loss of garlic,
I am noticing the tomatoes drop their fruits and rust their leaves, despite my best mothering.
I am surprised by tiny plum jewels growing, a first in over 5 years.
I am gr her generous flushes, crafting garlands out of her young buds.
I am delighted by the circle of ink caps that flush after the rains.
Each morning I slowly pluck chamomile blooms and plump my stash for the winter.
I am a newlywed with the hyssop bed, nervous to make the first harvest move.
I have lusted after the hollyhocks, greedily wanting more and more.
I have inebriated myself with the sweetpeas and rued not planting a thousand more. around me, Past, Present and Future all at once. aiden, my Mother and My Crone.
Such is th
To quote Eliot:
“Time present and time past Are both perhaps present in time future, And time future contained in time past. If all time is eternally present All time is unredeemable. What might have been is an abstraction Remaining a perpetual possibility Only in a world of speculation. What might have been and what has been Point to one end, which is always present.’
May you find in these pages a PAUSE, A BREATH, A STRETCH and a well of gratitude for the YOU who is RIGHT NOW. Not the you of tomorrow, nor the you of yesterday.
portraitby:annabelleagnew
lughnasadh: origins & celebrations
Lughnasa, also known as the August Feast, is the third festival in the Celtic calendar, falling between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It is also noted as the first of the harvest festivals, being followed by Mabon on September 21, and Samhain on October 31.
On Lughnasadh, the first harvests of wheat, oats, barley, and new potatoes are celebrated with joy and gratitude, . This festival was established by the Celtic god Lugh to honor his foster-mother Tailtiu, who died on August 1 from exhaustion after clearing the fields for farming. Her dying wish was for festival games to be held every year in her memory, promising that Ireland would always have songs as long as these games continued.
Lughnasadh traditions encompass a variety of cultural practices, such as offerings, ritualized dance performances, hill and mountain climbing, horseracing, communal feasting, and participation in various physical contests including archery, boxing, and fencing. These activities collectively formed what was historically referred to as the Tailteann Games. The celebration of these games has persisted as a longstanding ritual observance during the Lughnasadh period over several centuries. We know them in modern times as Highland Games.
The Christian Church in Ireland later adopted Lughnasadh, renaming it Lammas (Loaf Mass), where a loaf made from the first ripe grain was blessed at church. After the loaf was blessed, the farmers broke it into four pieces and placed each piece in the corners of their barn to protect the newly harvested grain. Lammas bread was often made in shapes including wheat, owls, and corn dolls.
Lughnasadh holds a distinctive place within the annual cycle known as the Wheel of the Year, serving as a pivotal period of transition.
Positioned between the peak of summer's vitality and the onset of autumn's waning daylight, it prompts introspection and personal contemplation. This seasonal juncture encourages us to revisit our initial objectives set earlier in the year and to evaluate their progress. It provides a moment to reassess personal intentions, ongoing projects, and overarching aspirations. By reflecting on both literal and metaphorical seeds sown, we can gauge accomplishments and identify areas warranting continued focus.
In commemorating the harvest's abundance, we are encouraged to recognize our own milestones and small wins. This contemplative practice fosters appreciation for our capabilities and contributions, affirming their role within the broader fabric of our ecosystems.
deers and Spirituality in Various Folklores
In Celtic mytholo��, deer are revered as sacred animals. and often associated with the forest and woodlandgods,suchasCernunnos,thehornedgodof the forest. Deer symbolize grace, gentleness, and the ability to move between the physical and spiritual worlds.Thestag,inparticular,isseenasasymbolof leadership and regeneration and is often seen as an animalconnectedtoLughnasadh.
Among Native American tribes, deer are seen as messengers and symbols of spiritual authority. They representgentleness,peace,andanabilitytolistenand movewithgrace.Sometribesviewdeerasguidesand protectors, embodying qualities of compassion, awareness, and sensitivity. The deer dance is a significant ceremonial dance among certain tribes, reflectingtheimportanceofthedeerspirit.
In Japan, deer are considered messengers of the gods andareoftenfoundinShintoshrines,particularlyin Nara,wheretheyroamfreelyandareprotected.The deer is a sacred animal that symbolizes longevity, goodfortune,andthespiritualconnectionbetweenthe godsandhumans.
In Chinese symbolism, the deer is a symbol of longevity and wealth. The Chinese word for deer, "lu," is a homophone for the word that means "abundance" or "prosperity." Deer often appear in Chineseartasasignofalong,prosperouslifeandare associatedwiththegodoflongevity,ShouXing.
In ancient Greek and Roman mytholo��, deer are sacred to Artemis (Diana in Roman mytholo��), the goddessofthehunt,wildanimals,andthewilderness. Thedeersymbolizespurity,independence,andaclose connectiontonature.Artemisisoftendepictedwitha stag or a doe by her side, highlighting her role as a protectorofwildlifeandtheforest.
In Buddhism, the deer represents harmony, peace, and longevity.TheDeerParkinSarnath,whereBuddhagave hisfirstsermon,isasignificantsiteinBuddhisttradition.
Deer are seen as peaceful creatures that embody the qualities of mindfulness and serenity, important aspects of theBuddhistpath.
In Norse mytholo��, deer are linked to the Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Four stags, Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr, and Duraþrór,grazeontheleavesofthistree,symbolizingthe cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all beings.DeerinNorsemythsymbolizetheharmonybetween natureandthe
DEMETER:
Demeter, the Grain Mother, is a prominent figure in Greekmytholo��knownasthegoddessofagriculture, grain, and fertility. And is often revered at Lughnasadh. Here are some key aspects of her mytholo��andsignificance:
GoddessofAgriculture:
Demeter is primarily associated with the growth and harvest of crops, particularly grain. She is credited with teaching humans how to cultivate the land and isreveredforensuringthefertilityoftheearth.
MotherEarth:
As the Grain Mother, Demeter symbolizes the nurturing and sustaining power of the earth. She embodiesthecycleoflife,death,andrebirththrough theagriculturalseasons.
MythofDemeterandPersephone
Oneofthemostfamousmythsofgreekmytholo�� isthe storyofDemeterandherdaughterPersephone: Hades,thegodoftheunderworld,abductsPersephoneto make her his queen. Distraught, Demeter searches for her daughter and neglects her duties, causing the earth tobecomebarren.
Eventually, a compromise is reached where Persephone spends part of the year with Hades in the underworld (autumn and winter) and part with Demeter on earth (spring and summer). This myth explains the seasonal cycleofgrowthanddormancyinagriculture.
EleusinianMysteries:
Demeter was the central figure in the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most important religious rites in ancient Greece. These secretive rituals, held in Eleusis, were believed to offer initiates knowledge and blessings related to the afterlife. Part of Plato’s Republic is said tobebasedontheseMysteries.(seeRABBITHOLE)
SymbolsandIconography
Sheaves of Wheat: Demeter is often depicted holding sheaves of wheat, symbolizing her role as theGrainMotherandgoddessoftheharvest.
Cornucopia:Ahornofplenty,filledwiththeearth’s bounty,representsabundanceandnourishment.
Torch: Sometimes shown with a torch, symbolizing her search for Persephone and the light she brings totheworld.
associated plants motherwort
spiritualuses
correspondences lughnasadh
symbols
corn, corn dolls, sunflowers, wheat stalks, sickle and scythe, barley, oats, candles, cornucopias, gourds, sun wheels, bread, cauldrons
crystals
yellow aventurine, peridot, citrine, tiger's eye, lodestone, golden topaz, moss agate, obsidian, marble, lodestone
animals
roosters, calves, griffins, phoenix, centaurs, pigs
plants
deities
heather, goldenrod, clover, yarrow, vervain, myrtle, rose, sunflower, mushrooms, garlic, onion, basil, hops, marigold, grape vine,, rosemary, rose hips, blackthorn
Lugh, Corn Grandmother, Vulcan, Dagon, Ceres, Isis, Dana, Tammuz, Seelu,
celebrate
lughnasadh magick
PROTECTION+PROSPERITYSPELL
Intent: To protect your home and invite prosperity duringtheharvestseason.
Materials:
Asmallbowlofsalt
A handful of dried herbs (such as sage, thyme, or rosemary)
Awhitecandle
Apieceofcitrineorclearquartz
Asmallpouchorcontainer
Instructions:
Beginbycleansingyourspacewiththedriedherbs,either bysmudgingorsprinklingthemaroundyourhome.
Light the white candle and place it on your altar or sacredspace.
Mixthesaltanddriedherbstogetherinthesmallbowl.
Hold the citrine or clear quartz in your hands and visualizeaprotectiveshieldsurroundingyourhome.
lughnasadh magick
sayaloud:
"By Lughnasadh's guiding light, I ward off harm, so pure and bright. Prosperity flows and protection surrounds. In this place, harmony abounds."
Instructions
Place the citrine or clear quartz into the pouch or containerwiththesaltandherbs.
Keep this pouch in a central location in your home to attract prosperity and protect your household throughout theharvestseason.
Remember,thekeytoanyspellorritualisyourintention and focus. Make sure to adapt these spells to suit your personal beliefs and practices, and always ensure that your actions are in harmony with the natural world aroundyou
leoseason astrology
Leo season, which typically runs from July 23 to August 22, brings a distinct set of influences shaped by the characteristics of the Leo zodiac sign and its ruling celestial body, the Sun. Here are some key influences available during this time:
Self-Expression and Creativity
Leo's energy is vibrant and artistic, making this a great time to engage in creative pursuits like art, music, writing, or any form of self-expression. It's an excellent period for starting new projects that showcase your talents and passions.
Confidence and Leadership
The Sun's influence boosts self-assurance, encouraging you to take bold steps and assert yourself more freely. Leo season supports stepping into leadership roles, taking initiative, and inspiring others.
leoseason astrology
Social Connections and Celebrations:
Leo's outgoing nature makes this a prime time for social activities, gatherings, and parties. It's a great time to connect with friends and family.
With its association with joy and entertainment, Leo season is perfect for celebrating milestones and achievements.
Romance and Passion
Leo's fiery passion enhances romantic relationships, making it a great time for love and romance. This period encourages playful and adventurous experiences with loved ones.
Recognition and Appreciation
Leo season highlights the desire for acknowledgment and praise. It's a time to celebrate your achievements and seek appreciation for your efforts.
astrology
PRACTICALTIPS:
EmbraceCreativity:
Engage in activities that allow you to express your creativity and talents.
BeSocial:
Take advantage of the social energy by spending time with loved ones and attending social events.
CelebrateYourself:
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and strengths.
ShowAppreciation:
Recognize and appreciate the efforts of those around you.
LUNATIONS: NewMoonINLeo
August4th,2024,at4:13amPT FullMoonINAquarius August19th,2024,at11:26amPT
1.Howhavemypersonalgoalsandintentions evolvedsincethebeginningoftheyear?
WhatachievementsormilestoneshaveIreached thatIcancelebrateduringthisharvestseason?
2. Howdoesthechangingofseasonsfromsummer toautumnresonatewithmyownlifetransitions andcycles?
WhatlessonscanIlearnfromobservingthe cyclesofnatureduringthistimeofharvest?
3.WhatamIgratefulforasIreflectonthe abundanceinmylife,bothmateriallyand spiritually? HowcanIexpressgratitudeforthepeople, experiences,andresourcesthathavesupportedme onmyjourney?
T ACard1:THEEMPRESS
Thiscardsymbolizesfertility, abundance,andnurturingener��. Itreflectsthefruitfulharvestand theabundanceoftheearth'sbounty duringLughnasadh.
TOCard2:STRENGTH
Strengthinrelationto Lughnasadhencouragesusto recognizeandcelebrateboth ourpersonalinnerstrength andthestrengthfoundinthe naturalworldandcommunity aroundus.Itinvitesusto reflectonhowwecanuseour strengthpositivelyaswemove forwardintothenextphaseof theyear.
SUGGESTED RABBIT HOLES
DEERMEDECINE ShamanicConnections
LUGHNASADH MAGICK
MOTHERWORT
LEOSEASON
LUGH+CELTIC
WISDOM
THEELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES
Worts+Cunning
JessicaDavidson
Mythopedia
WorldHistory
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, Lorri Shields, “Lughnasadh: A Time for Reflection and Celebration” , Mabon House, https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/lughnasadh-atime-for-reflection-and-celebration
Cunningfolk, Alexis. “A might do list for lughnasadh” July 30, 2019 http:// www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/a-might-do-list-for-lughnasadh
Hutton, Ronald “ Pagan Britain” Yale University Press, 2014
Mankey, Jason . 8 Ways to Celebrate Lughnassa/Lammas, Patheos, July 30, 2017
Wigington, Patti. "Lugh, Master of Skills." Learn Religions, Sep. 4, 2021, learnreligions com/lugh-master-of-skills-2561970
Willow, Autumn. “Lammas Correspondences” , July 14, 2015. https:// www.flyingthehedge.com/2015/07/lammas-correspondences.html
Wright, Gregory. “Lugh.” Mythopedia, November 29, 2022. https:// mythopedia.com/topics/lugh.
